BlackBerry App World launches

RIM has launched its BlackBerry App World today offering a range of personal and business applications for mobile download in the UK, US and Canada.

BlackBerry App World is designed to automatically present the relevant catalogue of applications available for a user’s specific BlackBerry model. It can be accessed over Wi-Fi and mobile connections.

The application store features a front page ‘carousel’ highlighting several selected applications, a top downloads list and categories such as entertainment, games, maps and navigation, music and video, news and weather, health, research, social networking, sport and travel.

Users can use a keyword search and they can also upload their own reviews of individual applications as well as recommend them to friends and colleagues.

Applications will be both free and paid for. There will be 1,000 applications available at launch.

RIM president and co-chief executive Mike Lazaridis said: “We are thrilled to enhance the BlackBerry experience with a new app store that helps connect consumers with developers and carriers.”

Co-chief executive Jim Balsillie added: “BlackBerry App World provides a fantastic new resource for consumers and an equally exciting progression of business opportunities for our developer and carrier partners.”